4.1 Biomatrix case exercises - student module  (Page 14/21)

Comparing the test results: meta-tests

1. The ethics tests will not always converge on the same solution because each test (and the ethical theories it encapsulates) covers a different dimension of the action: (1) harm/beneficence looks at the outcomes or consequences of the action, (2) reversibility focuses on the formal characteristics of the action, and (3) publicity zeros in on the moral character of the agent.
2. The meta-tests turn this surface disagreement into an advantage. The convergence or divergence between the ethics tests become indicators of solution strength and weakness.
3. Convergence. When the ethics tests converge on a given solution, this indicates solution strength and robustness.
4. Divergence. When tests diverge on a solution—a solution does well under one test but poorly under another—this signifies that it needs further development and revision. Test divergence is not a sign that one test is relevant while the others are not. Divergence indicates solution weakness and is a call to modify the solution to make it stronger.

Exercise 3: summarize your results in a solution evaluation matrix

1. Place test results in the appropriate cell.
2. Add a verbal explanation to the SEM table.
3. Conclude with a global feasibility test that asks, simply, whether or not there exist significant obstacles to the implementation of the solution in the real world.
4. Finish by looking at how the tests converge on a given solution. Convergence indicates solution strength; divergence signals solution weakness.

The ethics tests are discussed in cruz and davis. see references below. wike and brincat also discuss value based approaches in the two references below.

Exercise four: solution implementation

In this section, you will trouble-shoot the solution implementation process by uncovering and defusing potential obstacles. These can be identified by looking at the constraints that border the action. Although constraints specify limits to what can be realized in a given situation, they are more flexible than generally thought. Promptly identifying these constraints allows for proactive planning that can push back obstacles to solution implementation and allow for realization of at least some of the value embodied in the solution.

A Feasibility Test focuses on these situational constraints and poses useful questions early on in the implementation process. What conditions could arise that would hinder the implementation of a solution? Should the solution be modified to ease implementation under these constraints? Can the constraints be removed or modified through activities such as negotiation, compromise, or education? Can solution implementation be facilitated by modifying both the solution and the constraints?